
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 was $598 million, reflecting a slight decline of 0.8% year-over-year on a constant currency basis, primarily due to softer enabling technology sales and supply chain disruptions [6][19] - Non-GAAP EPS increased by 9% to $0.68 compared to the prior year, despite a higher diluted share count and a one-time EPS gain not repeated in 2025 [6][20] - Free cash flow reached a record $141 million, up 493% from the previous year, with the company returning to debt-free status after paying off nearly $900 million from the NuVasive merger [7][30] - GAAP net income was $75.5 million, translating to fully diluted GAAP earnings of $0.54 per share, an increase from the prior year quarter [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Spine revenue grew by 2% in Q1, driven by strong retention rates and product cross-selling, despite temporary supply chain disruptions [8][21] - Enabling Technologies revenue decreased by 31% to $22 million, impacted by a tough prior year comparison and elongated selling cycles [12][19] - The combined trauma and NSO business declined by 8%, although core trauma delivered 34% growth [14][21] - International spine implant business grew by 1% on a constant currency basis, affected by timing of distributor orders and supply chain issues [13][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue was $483.9 million, essentially flat compared to the prior year, while international revenue decreased by 7.7% [26] - The overall market growth was described as slow, with surgeons noting longer approval times from insurance companies [95] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on sustained profitable growth, leveraging financial strength to accelerate top-line results while maintaining strong EPS and free cash flow [7][8] - The acquisition of Nevro for $250 million is expected to expand the company's reach into the musculoskeletal market, adding a $3 billion market space [14][15] - The company is committed to integrating Nevro into its existing infrastructure to improve profitability and cash flow [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in recovering from Q1 challenges, citing positive trends in U.S. Spine and ongoing remediation of supply chain issues [45][46] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 net sales guidance of $2.8 billion to $2.9 billion but lowered non-GAAP EPS guidance to $3.0 to $3.3 due to additional costs from the Nevro acquisition [36][37] - Management remains optimistic about the second quarter, expecting to see improved results as supply chain disruptions ease [37][38] Other Important Information - The company has completed its share repurchase program, buying back over 20% of the dilution created from the NuVasive merger [30][31] - The company is actively addressing tariff impacts through cost action offsets, including price increases and vendor negotiations [35][112] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in Q2 performance after a challenging Q1 - Management indicated that supply chain disruptions and timing of distributor orders were temporary issues, with confidence in a recovery in Q2 [45][46] Question: Synergies from the Nevro acquisition - Focus will be on reducing operational expenses and improving gross margins, with a commitment to driving profitable sales growth [48][49] Question: Impact of competitors on sales cycles - Management noted that while selling cycles have elongated, they have not seen competitors causing delays in closing deals [53][54] Question: Expectations for cash use post-Nevro acquisition - The company plans to prioritize internal investments and may consider tuck-in acquisitions, with share repurchases remaining part of the capital structure [62][64] Question: Integration status of Nevro and NuVasive - Management reassured that Nevro's integration is separate from ongoing NuVasive activities, with confidence in managing both integrations effectively [86][88] Question: Update on FDA warning letter - Management reported progress with the FDA and is awaiting inspection, expressing readiness to resolve the matter [92] Question: Impact of tariffs on margins - Management stated that tariffs are not expected to materially impact margins due to the company's vertical integration and U.S.-based production [111][112]